Kilikanoon Oath Grenache 2018
- 94
- $40
- Drink by: 2022-2032
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We recently looked at the excellent Walton’s Block Grenache from this producer, an old block of vines from the Clare. Now comes their Oath Grenache, again from the Clare and from another strong vintage. I think that I might prefer this one even more than the Walton at this stage. In ten years, who knows, but it will be fun to find out. Great to see the Clare doing so well with this variety – exciting things lie ahead. A lovely pale crimson in colour, there is a hint of cinnamon-y spice, warm earth, dry herbs, cherries and leather. Red fruits, especially raspberries, are to the fore. Supple, soft and with impressive length, this wine offers the classic Grenache tannins, both silky and ever so slightly sandy with very good overall balance. This is a cracking Grenache – it really does have a good decade ahead of it.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
